Regarding the new Harvest Fuel Relief program, North Dakota Senator John Hoeven says USDA plans to release commodity-specific payment rates in November for crops covered under Title I farm programs. The one-time payments will be based on planted acres, production costs, yields and commodity prices. USDA will provide eligible farmers with pre-filled online applications through their government accounts. Specialty crop growers and producers of commodities not covered under Title I are being asked to submit information to USDA documenting higher fuel costs. An application period and payment dates have not yet been announced. “This is all about getting our farmers and ranchers through this tough stretch, along with the enhancements we made in the Working Families Tax Cut Act and the work we’re doing to get the farm bill done.”
